Jonathan Alder senior Corinne Parker sends the ball over the net during Thursday’s practice session. Parker will continue her career at Coastal Carolina.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
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A smaller, more rural high school volleyball program may have one player now and then be good enough to attract a Division I college scholarship offer.
It’s more rare when that school has two D-I caliber senior players on the team at the same time.
Throw in a sophomore who has already verbally committed to yet another Division I program and you’ve got the makings for something very special.
That’s the type of talent Jonathan Alder High School head coach Kim Hayes has on her hands for the 2018 campaign.
Seniors Kortney Reynolds and Corinne Parker have respectively agreed to sign with Florida Gulf Coast and Coastal Carolina. Both said they will ink the papers after the conclusion of the upcoming high school season.
After just one year of varsity competition, sophomore Ava Francis has already given her verbal agreement to the University of Arizona.
“I really like the atmosphere at Florida Gulf Coast,” said Reynolds. “It is very inviting and friendly.”
Florida Gulf Coast is a relatively young volleyball program, according to the Alder middle blocker.
“I think the school has only been open for 20 years, so they are still building the program to where they want it to be.”
Reynolds, who will study health science and radiology, said she had also looked at the University of Michigan, Alabama, Auburn and Kentucky.
“Florida Gulf Coast was my first offer and I wanted to be in Florida,” she said.
“The coaches have said I have a shot to play as a freshman, but only if I prove myself over the summer.”
What does Reynolds think are her strengths as a blocker?
“Well, I’m tall,” she smiled. “I’m 6-2 ½, but 6-3 in volleyball shoes.
“I also feel I can read where the ball is going to be hit pretty well.”
Parker chose Coastal Carolina over schools such as Winthrop, Elon and Georgia Southern partially because of academics.
“They have a very good marine biology program and that’s what I want to study,” she said. “Besides, it’s just a short distance to the beach.”
The school’s volleyball success also was an attraction.
“They’ve won four consecutive conference (Sun Belt) championships and there is always an expectation to do well,” said Parker. “They also want to go farther than they ever have in the NCAA tournament.”
Parker will switch positions from hitter to setter once she arrives on the collegiate level.
“Coach Forman (Jozsef) told me it will take about a year for me to get to their level as a setter,” she said. “I’ve always liked setting and he feels that position is my future, with maybe an opportunity to play professionally some day in Europe.”
Parker stands 6-2 and is a left-handed player.
“Those factors attracted college coaches to Corinne,” said Hayes.
Francis, who is also a hitter, was spotted by Arizona head coach Dave Rubio during an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournament in Orlando, Fla.
“I also went to their camp and he liked the fact I can hit the ball from the back row,” said Francis, who is Hayes’ daughter. “He offered me a scholarship after I graduate high school.”
Francis will officially be able to sign with Arizona when she is a senior.
The Alder sophomore said she also had interest from Ohio State, Virginia Tech and South Carolina.
“I always liked Ohio State (where her mother played), but I just really like Arizona,” said Francis. “Coach Rubio just showed more interest in me as a player.”
Francis said she is undecided on what to study in college, but noted she may follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a teacher and coach.
Hayes feels all three will have collegiate success.
“They are very talented players who are blessed with height and long arms. They also can jump well,” she said. “That’s what college volleyball programs are looking for in players.
“They are all leaders by their play on the court,” said Hayes. “Their teammates look to them to take over a match and score points.
“They each have very high volleyball IQs and are fun to coach.”